The Real Madrid defender is convinced la Roja are as dangerous as ever before, while speaking of his happiness at his development in recent months

France international Raphael Varane has dismissed suggestions that Spain are in decline following the European champions’ draw against Finland on Friday.

Vicente del Bosque’s men are in danger of missing out on automatic qualification to the 2014 World Cup as they trail France by two points ahead of Tuesday’s encounter in Paris, but Varane has warned that they cannot be written off just yet.

“The team are going to prepare for Tuesday’s game like every other game, with the aim of winning,” Varane was quoted as saying by AS.

“Spain’s result against Finland has changed nothing in that respect.

“I don’t think that they are in decline. They are always hungry for success and never like to lose matches.”

Varane has developed into a first team regular at Real Madrid in recent months and he admits he is pleased with the progress he’s made so far.

“A lot of things have happened in the last three months, I’m very happy with the progression I have made, but I need to keep on working.”